The Coronavirus pandemic has confined us to our homes and in doing so has forced many to take on some new hobbies. Gardening is one such hobby that has gained much popularity. All for the better I say.

As you well know, gardening and growing plants /flowers is like learning any other skills where you need to develop that certain confidence before you take it to another level. The trick is to start adopting the easiest of plants.

These are the five houseplants that I enjoyed growing without any fuss. They are still my favorites and they are like the backbone of my garden, always there, strong and healthy.

  1. The variegated Scafflera

     I believe this is one of the most indestructible houseplants. You would need super powers to kill it. A fast grower with beautiful variegation of yellows, white and green glossy leaves. Outdoors or in, this variegated variety requires a little more sun than the green variety. Water your plant well and let the soil soak well, leave it to dry out for a few days before watering it again.
     
  2. The Arrowhead Plant

    A houseplant that thrives in a wide range of temperatures. I have to admit the indoor plants are doing much better, have much better foliage and colors and overall look so much healthier. The reason being they prefer indirect sunlight rather than the harsh exposure to the cold. Water them every three days and they rarely ask for more.
     
  3. Stromanthe Triostar

    Undeniably one of the lowest maintenance houseplants I have ever grown, yet one of the most beautiful. The Triostar is native to the Brazilian Rain forest and has striking variegated foliage which changes according to their exposure to the sun. The more indirect sunlight it receives, the more variegation you will get to see.
     
  4. Tradescantia Zebrine White

    Native to South America, Central America and Mexico, these trailing herbaceous plants adapt to just about any environment long as you don’t let the soil dry out. All they need is to be kept moist, bright filtered sunlight and a few gentle words every now and then.
     
  5. Philodendron bipinnatifidum

    Philodendron refers to the genus derived from the Greek word philos which means “to love,” and dendron for “tree”. This is probably because in nature many of these plants spend their entire lives clinging on to trees. Like many houseplants, the Philodendron Bipinnatifidum enjoys light, well-drained soil and a good dose of organic fertilizers. They grow up to be big, bold and beautiful so give them a little space and a tree if you can.


Happy gardening folks!!!

Mamta B Khatri, Owner of The Green Owl.